In a significant breakthrough, police have successfully dismantled one of the most active smuggling gangs operating in the English Channel. The operation, a result of a year-long investigation conducted by German, French, and Belgian authorities, led to the arrest of nineteen individuals in Germany. Among those detained were five high-value targets, including the alleged gang leader and main organizers.

Europol revealed that the smuggling gang had the capacity to send up to eight vessels to the UK every day. The gang's modus operandi involved cramming up to 55 people into a boat designed for only 10 individuals, charging each passenger between €1,000 to €3,000 for a place. The agency described the gang's operation as highly professional and linked to at least 55 illicit crossings.

The boats used by the gang were driven to northern France and launched from beaches near Calais, making their way to the UK's southern shore. The investigations are ongoing, particularly focusing on individuals managing the financial and money laundering activities for the criminal network.

The UK government, who has noted a reduction of 36% in crossings between 2022 and 2023, has made combating illegal entries a main priority. Since 2020, over 100,000 people have illegally entered the UK by crossing the English Channel by boat. Individuals involved in such activities have also faced legal consequences, as seen with Howmalow Mawum-Duop, who has been jailed for 18 months following a people smuggling investigation that allegedly involved at least 10 migrants being smuggled across the English Channel to Devon in June 2022.

The successful dismantling of this smuggling gang marks a significant step in curbing illegal crossings in the English Channel and ensuring the safety and security of the region.